Power takes lessons learnt into historic Indy500

Ben Drewe
Sports editor
Ben studied the double degree of journalism/sport and recreation at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst. During this time he did a bit of work for the Western Advocate in Bathurst. Upon completion of tertiary studies Ben spent four years at the Central Western Daily in Orange, New South Wales before joining The Chronicle in February 2010.

MOTORSPORT: Will Power is as qualified as anyone when it comes to knowing you need to be on top of your game right until the chequered flag to win the coveted Indianapolis 500.

The Toowoomba driver is one of a host of drivers who will line up on the start grid for the famed IndyCar race on Monday morning (AEST) desperate to win the biggest race on the calendar, especially as it is the 100th running of the Indy500.

Power came close last year, as only three drivers have come closer to winning the Indy 500 without actually achieving it.

He finished second to Penske team mate Juan Pablo Montoya last year by just 0.1046 of a second or one car length after the 804.5km race in what was the fourth-closest finish in the fabled history of the race.

The renowned road course racer announced himself as a contender on oval tracks with that result and while Power himself says it is a different race this time around, last year’s experience will have the 2014 IndyCar champion steeled to be as focused on the last lap as he is on the first.

“Every year it changes. The aero configuration has changed,” Power told The Chronicle.

“There are so many people who can win the race but I have a lot of experience around there and I have as good of a shot as anyone.

“I have definitely learnt from last year being in the wrong place on the last lap.”

The build up to the 100th Indy 500 has been big in the United States.

Drivers have been making appearances across North America this week, with Power hitting New York earlier this week.

The Indy 500 is a sell-out for the first time in the event’s history and Power expects about 350,000 spectators will be on hand for the race.

It has been a busy build up for Power but he will try to hit the track as normal.

“Race day, you just want to try shut everything out,” he said.

Power will not be the only Toowoomba driver in action at Indianapolis this weekend as Jordan Lloyd will make his debut on an oval track in the USF2000 development series.

Lloyd will chase a return to the podium ahead of the Indy 500 in what will be a massive occasion to race on an oval track for the first time.